The Washington Commanders are looking to reload this offseason after unbelievable success in Year 1 under new head coach Dan Quinn. Nothing should be off the table for general manager Adam Peters, including a potential trade for someone he knows well from his previous place of employment.
Things came to a head between Deebo Samuel Sr. and the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver saw his production dip last season despite staying relatively healthy. It didn't take a genius to figure out that a fresh start was needed in 2025.
Commanders GM Adam Peters is familiar with WR Deebo Samuel
The Niners have given Samuel's representatives permission to seek a trade. He released a statement once the news became public knowledge, outlining the tough conversation with Kyle Shanahan about this being the best possible solution for his career.
It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle [Shanahan] because of the relationship that we have. But I have to do what's best. I'm more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it's best that we find another team.Deebo Samuel Sr. via ESPN
Samuel is one of the league's best weapons with the football in his hands. The former South Carolina standout is versatile and physical in equal measure. Much will depend on the compensation involved, but it would be surprising if the pass-catcher didn't have a robust market.
Peters knows Samuel well. He was part of the brain trust that spent a second-round pick on the wideout in 2019. That was a shrewd piece of business, although it wasn't quite enough to get over the hump to another Super Bowl triumph.
If the front-office leader feels like it could help the Commanders and the price is right, Peters will inquire. His strong relationship with San Francisco general manager John Lynch would smooth negotiations. Washington could also easily absorb the player's salary-cap hit on the final year of his deal.
The Pro Bowler is a force on the boundary or working in the middle of the field. Samuel is at his best after the catch, breaking tackles with ease and demonstrating the sort of explosiveness Washington lacked this season aside from Terry McLaurin. Having a proven performer this like to make Jayden Daniels' life easier warrants a discussion at the very least.
Everything is on the table right now. Peters is assessing the roster, examining possible free-agent additions, and running the rule over draft prospects with seven selections at his disposal. He'll be keeping an eye on trades in or out. He also won't need much help from a scouting standpoint regarding Samuel.
The Commanders will leave nothing to chance. There is an issue regarding Samuel potentially wanting a new contract upon joining a new franchise. Washington has enough flexibility for that, but whether the wideout is worth it after a down year and being 30 years old soon is another matter.
Samuel is a good player who'll be eager to silence his doubters in a different environment. The Commanders wouldn't get a better player in the draft with a mid-to-late-round pick. But this has to make business sense before it goes any further.
